Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed a debate invitation from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, calling it ‘laughable’ and insisting he will only face President William Ruto in a presidential debate next year.

Taking to his social media accounts on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Gachagua said:

“I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to some debate. Laughable! I don’t debate or engage with the employees of William Ruto. I am only available for one debate with the Ruto team, the presidential debate next year between Mr William Ruto and me. His employees should help him prepare talking notes early enough.”

Duale issued the challenge while speaking at a youth empowerment event held at Garissa High School on February 11, 2026. The event was presided over by President Ruto, who oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA funds. Duale criticised Gachagua’s remarks on development in the North Eastern region and proposed a public discussion on Jeff Koinange Live programme.

“I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the North Eastern region. President Ruto, leave him to me. I will deal with him,” Duale said. He added, “Let us meet at Jeff Koinange’s bench. I will challenge you. Tukutane Kiwanjani. I am ready.”

Gachagua attacks Northern development

The challenge comes amid an ongoing dispute between the two leaders. Gachagua has repeatedly criticised North Eastern leaders, accusing them of misusing devolution funds and failing to improve public services in their counties.

He has cited shortages of hospitals, classrooms, teachers, medical personnel, and clean water, questioning why development remains slow despite significant allocations since devolution began in 2013.

Gachagua also challenged Ruto to explain why many of his promises for Northern Kenya have not been met.

“William Ruto should explain to the people of Northern Kenya why he keeps on lying to them anytime he visits the region with no tangible development,” he said speaking on February 10, 2026.

He highlighted stalled projects, saying the government allocated only Ksh4 billion to 23 arid counties. This translates to about Ksh173 million per county and just Ksh1,200 per person for 3.3 million people in need, far below the United Nations minimum food basket of around Ksh2,700 per person.

Gachagua also criticised government spending on private jets, chartered planes, and helicopters while drought continues, arguing that the administration does not take human life seriously. He pointed to extreme poverty in counties like Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Garissa, and warned that “any Kenyan oppressed or neglected today is a warning to us all.”

He listed unfulfilled promises, including connecting Mandera to the national grid, improving schools and hospitals, building roads, and expanding water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Schools here have no classrooms, no laboratories, no teachers. Children study under trees. Does this prick your humanity at all?” Gachagua asked, citing high maternal deaths and poor vaccination coverage in the region.

President Ruto appeared to distance the government from the debate challenge, cautioning Duale against escalating the exchange.

“I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, ‘Don’t argue with a fool; people will not know the difference.’ Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation and a programme,” he said speaking at the same event in Garissa.